Reviewed by EuroCheapo.com Editors

The medium-sized Hotel Peninsular is a simple one-star establishment situated just off Barcelona’s famous Ramblas in the old city center. Location, near many fun bars and local eateries, may be the slightly tattered hotel’s best attribute.

Quick read

Cons: Basic and a bit rundown. Pricey for what it is. Neighborhood can be noisy and a little grimy.

Rooms

The Hotel Peninsular’s 70 guest rooms are simple and spartan, with dated furnishings and signs of wear. Wrought-iron bed frames and night tables add a little bit of style, but otherwise the feel is rather spartan.

In-room amenities stop at the basics: air conditioning, heat and nothing else. Rooms are very clean, though, and a few have balconies (ask ahead).

Bathrooms

The private bathrooms are small but new, spotless and stocked with toiletries and a hair dryer. Bathtubs are available (ask ahead).

Hotel

Prior to becoming a hotel in 1876, the building that houses the Hotel Peninsular belonged to an order of Agustino monks, and the property maintains that same “monkish” austerity today. Beyond the historic charm of the building—and a wild interior patio filled with climbing vine plants—the Peninsular is very basic and a little threadbare.

Simplicity aside, the Peninsular is very clean, and a suitable spot for those looking for an easy place to crash near the Barcelona action.

Breakfast is included in the room rate, and Wi-Fi is free in the public areas.

Value

The Hotel Peninsular is a fine hotel. It’s clean and has an interesting history and unbeatable. However, the hotel is also quite dated, offers almost no amenities, and is not the cheapest in the area.

The verdict: While the Peninsular is a suitable option in central Barcelona, there are better deals to be had in the area.

Location

The Hotel Peninsular’s location along the busy pedestrian street Sant Pau is advantageous for seeing a show at the Liceu Opera house or wandering along Barcelona’s famous tree-lined strip, Las Ramablas.

The hotel is also close to Plaça Catalunya and more cafés, bars, restaurants and entertainment than one could ever need. This is the thick of Barcelona’s commercial zone, which is also the hub of the city’s tourist action. (The downside to this central location is that pickpockets are common here because of the tourists—remember to keep close tabs on your bags.)

El Raval is home to some of our favorite restaurants. Try lunch or dinner at Restaurant En Ville (on c/Doctor Dou), or check out Marmalade for brunch or late-night drinks.

Transportation

Subway: The Liceu stop (Green Line/L3 Metro line) is about an eight-minute walk from the Hotel Peninsular.

From the Airport: From Terminal 2 of the Barcelona airport take the RENFE Cercanías train (about 35 minutes, departs every 20 minutes) to Passeig de Gracia, then transfer to the Green Line/L3 Metro. Get off at the Liceu stop, about an eight-minute walk from the hostal.

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About the Hotel Peninsular neighborhood

Intriguing, densely populated (but less heavily touristed) El Raval is located to the west of La Rambla. Formerly known as Barrio Chino, the area was historically a slum, notorious for petty crimes and prostitution, and today's cleaner, modern El Raval still has a rough-and-tumble edge. And it's home to open-air markets, legit old eateries and a trendy nightlife scene, as well as the contemporary art museum.